Chelsea star Conor Gallagher admits it is ‘always a challenge’ playing against West Ham United captain Declan Rice. The England international is also a transfer target of Arsenal.
The Blues star and Irons midfielder come up against each other again on Saturday. Chelsea travel to the London Stadium to take on the Hammers in the 12:30 kick-off. Both sides will hope the derby goes their way as Graham Potter’s and David Moyes’ squads each struggle.
West Ham go into the match 17th in the table and only one point from the relegation zone after 21 games. While Chelsea rank just ninth and face a 10-point deficit to the Champions League places. The Stamford Bridge outfit are just 12 points clear of the drop zone, as well.
Moyes has called on Rice to start all 21 of West Ham’s games ahead of facing Chelsea and Gallagher this Saturday. While Potter’s England midfielder has only opened 10 of his club’s fixtures across 19 appearances. He has also only started seven of his 14 games with Potter.
Should both feature at the London Stadium, it will be the fifth time that Rice and Gallagher share a pitch. The West Ham skipper has won two of their past encounters but only whilst the Chelsea star was on loan to West Brom. Rice is yet to beat Gallagher as a Blues player.
Gallagher hails Rice as Chelsea rival Arsenal for the West Ham star’s transfer
Gallagher and Rice may find that this is their last encounter as opponents, as well. Chelsea and Arsenal are the frontrunners to secure a transfer with West Ham for Rice this summer, per 90min. But the Irons are using Jack Grealish’s move to Manchester City to get £100m.
Enzo Fernandez’s British record £107m move to Chelsea from Benfica this January has also strengthened the Hammers’ asking price. But the Daily Mail reports the Gunners are ready to break the bank to sign Rice. He will also push to leave the Irons after a relegation fight.
Joining Arsenal appeals to Rice, as well, per The Guardian, as the prospect of playing under Mikel Arteta is enticing. And it is clear why Emirates Stadium chiefs view the 39-cap star as their top transfer target with Gallagher now praising the challenge of playing against Rice.
“Yeah, of course, me and Dec have played against each other a good few times now in the last few seasons,” Gallagher has told talkSPORT. “He’s obviously a top, top player. So, it’s always a challenge for me to play against him.”
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